Paris in May: Things to Do, Weather, Culture, Sports & More
Tomas Kauer - International News Writer and Moderator 
It’s never too early to start planning for the vast array of events offered in Paris as summer approaches. Here’s our complete guide to Paris in May with the best places to go, things to do, and activities for families in the City of Light.
While it is a great place to visit no matter what time of year, this is the month of the year when the streets of Paris really come alive. Summer is around the corner and all over Europe people are relishing the longer daylight hours. As the average temperature starts warming up, May is one of the best months to visit. If you want to encounter fewer tourists and fewer crowds, the beginning of the month is a better time to visit. You can start to expect large crowds and long lines at popular attractions moving into late May and early June when we approach high season. Low season returns around late September.
PARIS IN MAY WEATHER
Late spring in Paris means (hopefully!) good weather. Still, pack an umbrella, a light sweater and a light jacket to transition from day to night. A hat and sunglasses are good if you’re lucky enough to have bright clear skies and sunny days in the French capital. The good news is that on average, there are only about nine rainy days in May. Expect an average high temperature of 67°F (19°C) and 50°F (10°C) for lows.
FIRST TIME VISITORS
If it is your first time to Paris, it is a great time to savor walks, a guided tour, market days, parks and green spaces, a glass of wine en terrasse and of course, picnics. One of the best things is that it is the start of the Festival season. It is the perfect time to enjoy a short walk in the early morning, stroll in the Île de la cité, Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Latin Quarter and scale the steps of Sacre Coeur. Enjoy open and green spaces from the lawns of the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine River, the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des tuileries, Place des Vosges, Parc Clichy-Batignolles, and Square Gabriel Pierné, which is just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Pont des Arts and its sights.
In the approach to the summer months, it is the best time to enjoy outdoor events like a river cruise. It is a good idea to plan day trips from Paris to places like Disneyland Paris, Versailles and the Loire Valley.
PARIS IN MAY – PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
There are a number of public holidays in France in May which may impact opening days and times for establishments:
- 1 May: Labor Day
- 8 May: World War II Victory Day
- 14 May: Ascension Day
WHAT TO DO IN PARIS IN MAY – EVENTS
“May Day” – May 1
May Day is celebrated as the official arrival of spring in France, and it is the only day in the year that flowers can be sold on the street without a permit. Historically, a lily of the valley is presented to mothers and close family. Called muguets in French, lilies of the valley have been a symbol of good luck since the 16th century.
La Fête du Travail – May 1
La Fête du Travail is the French version of Labor Day and is known as a national strike day. Workers take to the streets to celebrate their right to protest to protect their rights and the standardized 8-hour work day. This is an important day to mark in your calendar if you visit France around this time of year.
Fête du Pain, Notre Dame Cathedral – May 8-17
Fête du Pain is a staple of spring in Paris. This year it will take place near Notre Dame Cathedral. This festival is an opportunity to learn about the insider secrets to making bread, pastries, and other French staples from the most well-known bakers in Paris! You’ll learn about the essentials, rules, and the art of the baguette tradition and witness competitions for the best almond galette, apple tart, and butter croissant.
Le jour de la victoire en Europe “Victory Day” – May 8
“Victory Day” in Europe is celebrated for the Allied victory in World War II and the announcement of Germany’s surrender. It is a public holiday in France, including a commemorative parade up the Champs Elysées. In addition, the president leads a ceremony honoring the Unknown Soldier buried under the Arc de Triomphe. It is an important day in history and includes many French history and culture displays. If you are in Paris on Victory Day, you should witness the great traditions of the day.
Musical Fountains Show, Palace of Versailles
Immerse yourself in the height of the French court era with lights, baroque music, and circuits around the gardens at the Versailles Palace musical fountain show. This is an excellent trip for families with kids as well, teaching them the history of the Palace and allowing them to experience the iconic gardens of Versailles. There are shows every Saturday & Sunday until November 1st (Grandes Eaux Musicales), plus Tuesday–Friday (Jardins Musicaux). There is also a night show (Grandes Eaux Nocturnes) every Saturday evening from June 6 – September 19, plus the evening of July 14.
Tous à l’Opéra, Various locations – May 8-10
Tous à l’Opéra is an event hosted in almost every major city in France, from Montpellier to Lille with partners like the prestigious Opéra de Paris. For its 19th year running, the theme is “Jeunesses”, so take the opportunity to participate in these special events meant to make the opera more accessible for the public.
Foire de Paris, Paris-Porte de Versailles – Until May 11
Held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the Foire de Paris has everything from kid’s animations and workshops, products made in France, tempting gastronomy, wine tastings and more. The fair has exhibited products, companies, leisure activities, and international cuisine since 1904. Discover new products and experience the best of Paris in one place. There will also be a live concert from the French rapper KeBlack on May 2nd.
Paris Beer Festival, various locations in Paris – May 25-31
Paris Beer Festival celebrates local, craft and independent beer from Paris and throughout the Île-de-France region in its 13th edition. This year, nearly 60 local and international breweries will come together for a week to show off and there will be over 200 beers on tap. This event is perfect if you enjoy supporting small breweries and this artisanal craft, and if you love a good beer!
Les Printemps des Rues, various locations – May 30-31
Le Printemps des Rues is a free art festival hosted in three arrondissements of Paris over one weekend at the end of the month. It highlights the diversity of street artists, from music to spray-paint art. Ultimately, the festival brings out artists’ inner worlds and connects them to more prominent societal factors to unite the artists and the public. With live music, dance exhibitions, theater, and performances featuring anything from a juggling sailor to a post-contemporary punk opera, there is something to discover for everyone. This year’s 29th edition takes place in the 10th, 18th and 19th arrondissements.
La nuit des musées (European Museums Night) – May 23
The European Museums Night (La nuit des musées) is an event throughout Europe in which thousands of museums across 30 countries offer free admission from evening to midnight, with various activities for their patrons. Enjoy this unique opportunity to have free access to some of the world’s greatest art held in permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Taste of Paris Festival, Le Grand Palais – May 21-24
Taste of Paris is an immersive gastronomic experience that has been running for 10 years where you can discover the best of modern cuisine in France in one place. Over four days there will be plenty of incredible food to try, as well as demonstrations, workshops, and more!
WHAT TO DO IN PARIS IN MAY – EXHIBITIONS
Renoir and Love, A Joyful Modernity (1865-1885), Musée d’Orsay, until 19 July, 2026
One of impressionism’s most beloved figures, Pierre Auguste Renoir immortalized the warmth of modern life through vibrant, colorful scenes of human connection. This popular exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay explores his lasting contribution to 19th-century art, with a particular focus on his vision of modern love. Co-organised with the National Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, it brings some of Renoir’s greatest masterpieces to Paris for the first time in four decades.
Clair-obscur, Bourse de Commerce, until 24 August, 2026
The Bourse de Commerce transforms its beautiful space into an immersive environment for Clair-obscur, which traces the enduring legacy of chiaroscuro from its Baroque roots to present day. Bringing together significant works by artists such as Bill Viola, Victor Man, and Pierre Huyghe, this exhibition invites a meditative passage between the visible and the invisible.
Henri Rousseau, A Painter’s Ambition, Musée de l’Orangerie, until 20 July, 2026
The Musée de l’Orangerie and the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia have joined forces for a major Henri Rousseau retrospective, bringing together around fifty works from both institutions and international collections. The exhibition traces Rousseau’s artistic journey through his relationship with the art market, spotlighting the pivotal influence of dealer Paul Guillaume and collector Albert Barnes in shaping his legacy.
1913–1923: The Spirit of the Times, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, until 20 September, 2026
The Musée du Quai Branly explores the pivotal 20th century moment when African and Oceanic arts sent shockwaves through the Western art world. This event ignited the imaginations of avant-garde artists including Picasso, Matisse, and Derain. Through sculptures, photographs, and archival documents, the exhibition reveals how these extraordinary objects redirected the course of modern art.
Renaissance: Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Atelier des Lumières, until 27 June, 2026
Experience the Italian Renaissance like never before with an immersive journey through the masterpieces of three artistic geniuses at Atelier des Lumières.
Michelangelo and Rodin, The Louvre, until 20 July, 2026
Michelangelo and Rodin were both captivated by the human body as the central subject of their art. The Louvre unites these two towering masters of Western sculpture who were centuries apart, yet bound by a shared artistic vision. Together, their works reveal how each artist sought to capture not just physical power, but the inner soul that gives life to the body.
Adya & Otto van Rees – At the heart of the avant-garde, Musée de Montmartre, until 13 September, 2026
The Musée de Montmartre hosts the first ever retrospective exhibition in France dedicated to Otto and Adya van Rees, two 20th-century avant-garde Dutch artists. The couple moved to Montmartre in 1904 where they spent time around artists such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso. During the exhibition you’ll discover the career paths of these two artists and how their intertwined lives influenced their creative work.
Lee Miller, Musée d’Art Moderne, until 2 August, 2026
The Musée d’Art Moderne presents a comprehensive Lee Miller retrospective featuring nearly 250 prints, including never-before-seen works. Once regarded as just a muse, Lee Miller is now celebrated as one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, and this six-part show presents her rich, bold, and experimental work.
Artists’ faces, Petit Palais, until 19 July, 2026
The Petit Palais presents a captivating exhibition exploring artists’ portraits and self-portraits, bringing together around 100 works spanning paintings, sculptures, photography, and decorative arts. Gustave Courbet’s Self-Portrait with a Black Dog and other rarely seen pieces from storage will be on display. The show places historic works in dialogue with contemporary pieces by female artists, which challenges the traditionally masculine legacy of the artists’ portrait.
SPORTS
The French Open: “Roland-Garros” – 18 May – 7 June
The French Open (Roland Garros) is one of the world’s great sporting events and one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The event features a line-up of remarkable players from some of the biggest stars in tennis to the game’s ambitious up-and-comers, all at the iconic Stade Roland Garros. There are a variety of tickets for various experiences – don’t miss your chance to secure one!
Coupe de France Football, Stade de France – 22 May
Lens and Nice will compete in the 109th edition of the French Cup Final at the iconic Stade de France. For football fans who want to experience the excitement live, make sure to buy your tickets!
MUSIC AND DANCE
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival, various locations – May 18-24
The Saint-Germain-des-Pres Jazz Festival was created in 2001 to celebrate international artists in the heart of Paris’ jazz scene. It is the must-see spring festival for European jazz lovers, with exceptional concerts featuring better known as well as emerging young artists. The festival takes place in several unique locations throughout Paris, with notable locations including the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Monnaie de Paris and l’Alliance Française.
Block Party, Supersonic and the Bastille neighborhood – 14-16 May
It’s the 4th edition of Block Party, the Parisian rock festival that brings the best of up and coming indie artists to some of Bastille’s coolest venues. Come support the underground indie rock scene and discover your new favorite artists in this one of a kind festival organised by Supersonic.
Amadeus, Theatre Marigny, until 28 June
Amadeus is a theatrical performance tracing the life of composer Mozart and his legendary rivalry with Salieri. It takes to the stage at the stunning Théâtre Marigny, nestled at the heart of the Champs-Élysées, with an ensemble of 14 artists bringing together actors, opera singers, and live musicians.
Tame Impala, Accor Arena – 3 May
Tame Impala performs in Paris at Accor Arena during his Deadbeat tour. RIP Magic will open for the popular multi-instrumental Australian artist.
Festival Napoléon Dynamite, Petit Bain – 12-13 May
The Napoléon Dynamite Festival takes over two iconic Seine venues, Le Petit Bain and La Dame de Canton, for two evenings of unique music. The festival brings together a new generation of international artists exploring experimental pop, radical electronica, and hybrid performance, offering a window into the future of contemporary music.
Oberkampf Music Festival – 20-21 May
The Oberkampf Music Festival showcases an eclectic mix of pop, indie rock, soul, and R&B across iconic local venues in the Oberkampf area. Free to attend and open to all, the festival has earned a reputation as a talent-spotter, having featured artists like Lola Young, Myles Smith, and Baby Queen in the early days of their careers.
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Solal Mariotte, Rosas, Théâtre de la Ville – 11-20 May
Choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker brings the legendary songs of Jacques Brel to life through movement, pairing her instinct for beautiful composition with the rising talent Solal Mariotte, a young dancer and acrobat. You can catch the performance this month at the Théâtre de la Ville at Châtelet.
KIDS AND FAMILIES
Dinosaures – L’expérience immersive, Atelier des Lumières, until 28 June
In this exhibition at Atelier des Lumières, travel back in time 66 million years to the age of dinosaurs. The whole family will be entranced by the immersive landscapes and fauna of prehistoric Earth as you discover dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures – and even the Tyrannosaurus rex!
La Légende du Titanic, La Villette, until 28 August
The most award-winning immersive exhibition of 2025, arrives in Paris for the first time La Villette’s Grande Halle, sure to captivate the whole family. Spread across 3,000 meters squared, this 90-minute experience takes visitors on a spectacular journey through the Titanic’s story.
Transparency, Grand Palais – Palais de la Découverte, until August 2027
The Palais des Enfants invites 2 to 10 year olds on a playful, hands-on adventure where art and science collide to unlock the secrets of transparency.
RELATED LINKS
- Some April events in Paris are still happening!
- Want to try the best baguette in Paris? Here are some award-winning options!
- Discover the hidden gems of Saint-Germain-des-Près.
Written by Reagan O’Brien, photographed and updated by Zoe Calla Adams for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
